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Edward J. Fortier Sr.

Edward J. Fortier

September 5, 1941

May 10, 2020

Windham, ME - Edward Joseph Fortier 78, of Windham died unexpectedly on Sunday May 10, 2020 at Maine Medical Center. He was born on September 5, 1941 in Hartford Connecticut to the late Joseph and Lillian Fortier. After graduating from Weaver High School, he was very adventurous and hitchhiked to California to experience life on the West Coast. Upon his return to Connecticut, he had his first child, Danamarie, whom he proudly pinned Chief Navy Counselor during her 22 year Navy service. He started his career as a Carpet Installer apprentice working for a local carpet
company before starting his own business, Carpet Workshop. Ed was a remarkably successful business owner earning a great reputation known throughout New England. After 50 years of owning Carpet Workshop, he retired and passed his talents and the business on to his son, Edward Jr.

Growing up in the big city is not conducive to becoming a fisherman, but his dad followed the sport, so at a young age he was introduced to the renowned Farmington River, becoming the only kid on the block to fish. Learning to fly fish was just the beginning of Ed’s love for the outdoors. He enjoyed bow hunting, especially on his trips to Colorado with his sons. Trapping was another sport he enjoyed, helping a local farmer with the pesky animals. Ed looked forward to his yearly camping trip with his sons in Northern Maine. He spent countless hours working in his shop making his bow and arrows and tying flies for his next outdoor adventure.

Ed spent his quiet time reading in his library and writing. He had his own column “Field Notes” in the Windham Independent for some years. He shared his wisdom about life experiences, and his love of fishing and hunting for the current generation. He always said that writing never came easy for him, but he learned that his writing was clearly enjoyed by all the readers of his column. He was humbled by the comments and referenced “there’s not enough words to express my gratitude”.

Another interest Ed had from an early age, was bodybuilding. He would spend hours reading bodybuilding books, setting up his home gym and journaling each workout. The gym was his morning ritual, of course after his coffee. He once took his daughter to see Lou Ferrigno.

Ed and the love of his life, Cathy enjoyed their travels abroad and within the U.S. Always a planner, he would research and pick a new fishing spot. The highlights of his fishing career would be having the opportunity to fish in Canada, Europe and the Western States.

Dedicated to his community. Ed was an active member of the Windham Lions Club since 1988 holding the titles of President and Secretary. He won many awards on the local and state level. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow award recipient.

Ed was a very social man although he did not think so. He would strike up a conversation with just about anyone. For not being social, he could be quite the chatterbox. Funny and intelligent - always telling stories and imparting his wisdom. He would enjoy spending time with his youngest son philosophizing life’s experiences.

A devoted husband, father and Grampy, he always enjoyed family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 48 years, Cathy Lynn Fortier, he leaves his daughter Danamarie Towers and her husband Adam Towers of Riverton CT, Edward Fortier Jr and his wife Lana Fortier of Gorham ME, Matthew Fortier of Windham ME along with his grandchildren, Meadow Fortier and Lila Fortier. He also leaves his brother Roger Fortier and his wife Mary Ellen Fortier of Simsbury CT along with several nieces.